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| Adesina Ogunlana |
The legal community and civic space in Nigeria were plunged into mourning on Wednesday with the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of its most steadfast members.
Adesina Ogunlana, affectionately known as Serubawon (a Yoruba term meaning ‘scare them’ or ‘frighten the oppressors’), has embarked on his final journey. This time, not to the courtroom to defend the helpless, voiceless, and oppressed, nor to the protest grounds to challenge anti-people policies, but to the world beyond.
In a manner reminiscent of bowing before judges in the courtroom, Ogunlana bowed to death just days after friends and colleagues celebrated his 60th birthday with a lecture in late July.
Renowned for his pro-people stance on national issues, the outspoken and radical Ogunlana was a prominent figure in many significant protests in Nigeria. From Occupy Nigeria in January 2012 to the 2020 #EndSARS rallies and the recent #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests, he was also the lawyer for #EndSARS petitioners at the panel investigating the Lekki Tollgate incident in Lagos.
Ogunlana seamlessly blended activism with his legal practice, juggling both with unmatched zeal. He was a formidable presence in the civic space, and his absence will be deeply felt.
In a statement, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) spokesman Akorede Lawal expressed sorrow over Ogunlana's passing. Ogunlana, a former chairman of the Ikeja Branch of the NBA, was remembered for his impactful tenure from 2016 to 2018, during which he led protests against the Land Use Charge increase introduced by the Lagos State Government in 2018.
“At a time when citizens look to conscientious members of the legal profession for guidance, the loss of Adesina Ogunlana is monumental. He was an activist in every sense of the word,” Lawal said.
“Never one to shy away from standing with the people, Mr. Ogunlana actively participated in the Nationwide Hunger Protest in Lagos last week,” the NBA spokesman added.
Ogunlana was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to the rule of law, effective administration of justice, and protection of human rights.
Lawal noted that the NBA and the legal profession would miss Ogunlana deeply and extended heartfelt condolences to his grieving family.
Friends and associates of the late legal icon have flooded social media with tributes, sharing stories of Ogunlana's legendary exploits and his indomitable spirit, which inspired many in the civic space.
